Chances for Children provides the most individualized training program there is. Your coaches realize that all team members have a goal different from the person running or walking next to them. It’s important for you to realize the same. If you’re new to training, you won’t start out running. If you’re a trained runner, you’re not going to be walking during an easy run. After you get into a routine and begin to improve, we will continue to monitor your progress to ensure you are still in the correct group. Choose the group below that sounds the most like you.

Half Marathon Walker…
I’ve been inactive for a while. Some may refer to me as a “coach potato,” but not for long. I am ready to walk 20 minutes, two to four times a week. Here is what my program looks like:

• Weekly mileage starts at 10 miles and peaks at 25 miles
• Weekly schedule includes: 2 easy walks, 1 walk track session, 1 long walk, 1 stretch or cross-train and 2 days for rest
• Long walk begins at 20 minutes and gradually builds to 10 miles

Half Marathon Walker/Runner…
I’m fairly active, but I have a low to moderate fitness level. I am ready to walk for 20 minutes, two to four times a week, and I want to be introduced to running. Here is what my program looks like:

• Weekly mileage begins at 10 miles and peaks at 26 miles
• Weekly schedule includes: 2 easy walk/runs, 1 walk/run track session, 1 long walk/run, 1 stretch or cross-train and 2 days for rest
• Long walk/run begins at 20 minutes and gradually builds to 10 or 11 miles

Half Marathon Beginner
I’ve been running consistently for 6 months. I have completed one or two 5K’s, but I am a fairly new running and definitely new to distance running. I am ready to challenge myself want to train for my first half marathon. Here is what my program looks like:

• Weekly mileage begins at 10 miles and peaks at 26 miles
• Weekly schedule includes: 2 easy runs, 1 run track session, 1 long run, 1 stretch or cross-train and 2 days for rest
• Long run begins at 20 minutes and gradually builds to 10 or 11 miles

Half Marathon Experienced
I’ve completed a 5K, 10K, or half marathon and I want to run faster or longer. I am ready to run 30 to 45 minutes, three to five days a week. I’m ready to challenge myself by adding speed work and tempo-paced training. Here is what my program looks like:

• Weekly mileage begins at 16 miles and peaks at 32 miles
• Weekly schedule includes: 2 recovery runs, 1 track workout, 1 tempo run, 1 long run, 1 cross-train or rest and 1 day of rest
• Long run begins at 4 miles and gradually builds to 12 or 13 miles

Marathon Beginner
I’ve been running consistently for at least six months and I am comfortable running longer distances. (Preferably) I have completed an occasional 5K, 10K or half marathon and I currently average 15 to 20 miles weekly. (The higher your fitness level, the easier this program will be.) I am ready to commit more than 30 minutes three to four times a week for training. Here is what my program looks like:

• Weekly mileage begins at 18 miles and peaks at 40 miles
• Weekly schedule includes: 2 recovery runs, 1 modified track workout, 1 medium distance run, 1 long run, 1 cross-train (or rest if needed) and 1 rest day.
• Long run begins at 6 miles and gradually builds to 20 miles.

Marathon Experienced
I’ve completed one or more marathons, and I am ready to improve my time. I’m ready to train harder and speed work and lactate threshold runs. I am comfortable running longer distances. I’m currently training three to five days a week, averaging 20 to 25 miles weekly. Here is what my program will look like:

• Weekly mileage begins at 21 miles and peaks at 44 miles
• Weekly schedule includes: 2 recovery runs, 1 track workout, 1 medium tempo run with some lactate threshold , 1 long run, 1 cross-train (or rest if needed) and 1 rest day
• Long runs begin at 8 miles and gradually build to two 20-mile runs

Experienced Marathon Runner with goal of qualifying for Boston
I’ve completed two or more marathons, and I am ready to qualify for Boston. I’m ready to train harder with time goals, speed work and lactate threshold runs. I am comfortable running longer distances. I’m currently training three to five days a week, averaging 20 to 25 miles weekly. Here is what my program will look like:

• Weekly mileage begins at 21 miles and peaks at 54 miles
• Weekly schedule includes: 2 recovery runs, 1 track workout, 1 medium tempo run with some lactate threshold , 1 long run, 1 cross-train (or rest if needed) and 1 rest day
• Long runs begin at 8 miles and gradually build to two 20-22-mile runs

In the 2009-2010 season, Team Chances provided more than 1,200 valley kids with a chance to succeed! Team Fit Kids logged over 31,000 miles, participated in races, ran with Team Chances members, and even received shoes from Nike!

When you join Team Chances, you receive a training program designed to meet your specific race goals. You get a chance to train side-by-side with some of the best runners in the region. And you help raise money to help kids increase their own level of fitness!

Benefits Training program customized to your goals A local team with other committed athletes Top-level coaches

Commitment Initial $100 donation to sign up Pledge to raise $1,300 in donations prior to race time Participate in all program activities

Need some more convincing? Check out some recent testimonials from our members...

"As a runner, I never felt a marathon was an option for me. I joined Team Chances and did several 1/2 Marathons. When the opportunity came up to run the NYC Marathon with Team Chances, I decided to take a 'chance' that I could be successful. The coaches are the top notch and I knew the training program Susan would build would be what I needed. I love that this charity gives local kids chances for success as well as Team Chances members chances to reach goals that they never felt were achievable. Joining Team Chances was the best decision I've made in a long time!"
- Michelle Propps

"My triglycerides are in check and my cholesterol is perfect, but the greatest benefit to running and my involvement with Team Chances is in my soul and spirit. I thank God that he gave me running; it has changed my life."
- Brian Flatley

"I have been given an outward focus to my running: helping the community. It is a great charity. The money goes right into helping local kids. You really get a purpose and pride in running and fundraising, and being able to work with your neighbors and neighbors' kids." - Doug Shade

"I love Team Chances, because we are REAL TEAM! We help not only kids to get fit, but also each other! We hold each other accountable. I would never run if it wouldn't be for Team Chances! And also we have BEST coaches ever!"
- Elena Mendez

"Great Team, Great Coaches, Great Friends, Great Cause. I got so much more out of the Team Chances experience than just running, and I say that while breaking my marathon PR by 23 minutes."
- Tim Martin

"Team Chances gave me something I never thought I could do, cross the finish line of a full marathon, help kids by putting a smile on their face, and meet awesome people in the most craziest environment ever - 20 mile runs!"
- Melissa Wright

"2 things: Accomplishing a goal I didn't think I could and using that as a metaphor for life. And, the great friends I made--SUPPORT!"
- Leslie Kohler

"I always wanted to fundraise and have a group to train with, but I was too stubborn to try. Luckily, I gave Team Chances a shot and was able to raise an incredible amount of money for children in my own community, and break my PR by nearly 20 minutes. It was truly incredible."
- Jen Bondeson

"I fell in love with running at 14. I did my first 10k at 15. For the last 30+ years, I have been a fairly devoted 3 mile runner 3-4X a week on the treadmill. Every geographic move, job move, new husband move I have made in my life, it has been my running that has been the constant. So, having this experience training with Team Chances has pushed my game to a whole new level. It never occurred to me to consistently run longer distances. It never occurred to me to get outside my comfort zone and do fartlek training or blast through 10 mile runs. Yeah, I was going to 'someday' do a marathon, but someday stay buried under successful careers hidden under countless hours in the galleries. My 2009 "highlight" (by far) has been my invigorated excitement of running. I now see in front of me more shared group runs, training times, 10Ks and half marathons. The irony, I used to define success solely by my income. In this awful economy, I have discovered a more fulfilling and life enhancing success. Without this economy, I may never had had the chance to open the time necessary to train. Woooo Weeeeeeee! Thank you God!!!"
- Sharon Seifert

"I loved the whole experience!!!!  It was just so incredible to go into the marathon not injured and pain free.  The training was easier than I thought it was going to be.  I don't want to go backwards at this point I want to keep working.  I love Janell's idea of LA.  The video immediately had me hooked.   Thanks again for such an amazing adventure!!  I don't think it would have been this great without Team chances!"
- Lisa Kagasoff